9781422287903

Chapter 1

Where Does Protein Come From?

M eat, beans, fish, tofu —these foods may seem to have little in common. But in fact, they share something very important. They all contain protein. Protein is a nutrient. Nutrients are found in foods and help the body work cor- rectly and efficiently . Our bodies need more protein than they do other nutrients. Protein keeps muscles working right. Protein is what muscles, organs, and the immune system are made of. Without protein, your body can’t be healthy. Protein foods come from animals and plants. These foods include chicken, fish, eggs, nuts, beans, seeds, beef, pork, and tofu. Some protein foods come from animals and some come from plants. ANIMAL PROTEINS Animals are the source of many protein foods. Meat (including beef, pork, goat, chicken, turkey, and seafood) was once a living animal. And because those animals were made up of protein, the meat they provide also has protein.